Though the design of this tea table appears English in origin, it was actually made in China for the export market to the West where exotic Chinese goods were highly sought after. This rare table, which dates to the late 18th century, is covered in red lacquer with gilt decoration.
The intricate design on the tabletop border features four-clawed dragons and phoenixes among clouds. The center scene depicts an imperial pleasure garden with four groups of pavilions and distant hills in the background. Each cabriole leg is decorated with bamboo motifs accented with flower baskets, a Buddhist fly whisk and a pair of pens in a case.
The table was a gift of Mrs. Harry Clark Boden IV in honor of Mrs. Erwin F. Seimes, with conservation funds donated by the California State Society.
American Spirit, Volume 142, Number 1, January/February 2008, Page 7
Photo by Mark Gulezian/QuickSilver